Pattaya Bum replies to KS

Editor:

I find KS’s reply to my letter in the 30 November Pattaya Mail quite disturbing. I’m always amazed at how “progress” is seen as the “farang way” of going things. I have lived in Pattaya off and on for 10 years now raising my Thai daughter here. As I have come to know and understand Thailand, in my observation, educated Thais want to learn the “farang way” of doing things because they understand the benefits, both to their health and pocketbook. As in any culture, Thais will add a local flavor. I find the tone of the first paragraph of KS’s letter somewhat condescending towards the Thai people, as he seems to equate lack of law enforcement by Pattaya officials with a lack of ability by Thai people.

I sometimes wonder if many of the foreigners living here don’t want Thailand to progress forward. Maybe western society has become too complex for these people so they seek refuge in the chaos here. But then these same people seem to look down on Thai people. I must admit that sometimes I find things frustrating, but I don’t confuse the 4th world mentality of Thai leaders, who fear that any change may alter their hold on power, with that of the 3rd world status of the Thai people. Thais are not stupid, just subjected to substandard education by the noble / serf mentality of corrupt leaders and the foreign businessmen who buy them off. When schooled in the West, Thais do quite well. Many times it is the “farang business owner” or Thai leaders that have “personal” considerations that make Thais look bad and ensure the average Thai cannot better himself socially or financially. Given the opportunity, Thais are basically good people who would like to better themselves. Because of the amount of foreign money in Pattaya, Pattaya attracts the worst of Thai society. But, one thing is certain, Thais are taught to be law abiding. If the Thai authorities enact and enforce proper laws, Thais will comply.

The best thing westerners can do for Thais on a daily basis is to show them western standards. We westerners know better than to run red lights or talk on hand phones while driving. We know it’s dangerous to put 5 people on a scooter or hand the keys to a 10 year old. We know when to use headlights and the problems associated with double parking. It is westerners that have shoved western technology down the throats of the Thai people for our benefit. We have a responsibility to give Thais the benefit of what we have learned in the use of this technology. This includes what we know about the environmental impact of diesel buses, building substandard road surfaces, and poor water management, but the use of protective gear, seat belts, appropriate speed, etc., are important concepts that westerners should be providing an example of every day.

For the benefit of KS, I’m in my mid 40’s and use my motorcycle almost exclusively. The car is only appropriate for trips to the market as in general most Pattaya streets were not created with extensive automobile use in mind. Since KS mentions Soi 13, he must have trouble getting his auto down this “alley”. Two-way traffic on Soi 13 is no problem for motor-scooters. Maybe, Soi 13 and similar streets, should be for motorcycle traffic only? I would also suspect KS doesn’t like my suggestion that Pattaya should do away with on street parking for automobiles. But, us “rich” farangs and Thais can afford off-street parking or in my case I have a driver. KS must also dislike baht buses as he seems to think putting 250 drivers out of work is better than getting rid of the ‘big buses’ that destroy streets and pollute Pattaya while making rich businessmen even richer. Ban the big buses and the baht buses could then ferry the junket tourist around thus providing greater employment to Pattaya residents helping the local economy. I’m not against making money, but I am against exploitation.

KS, hopefully you will consider the following. Many children in Pattaya are the abandoned children of westerners. KS, since you apparently have time available to play golf and count baht buses, may I suggest putting some of that time to better use in one of the many charitable activities helping Pattaya children. Doing my small part in educating the next generation of Thais to help them to take their proper place in a high tech world is why I plan on seeing my dream come true.

Pattaya Bum